3.17.2017

Overcoming Project Management Obstacles - Perseverance

The final part of this series, based on a workshop (Walls, Windows and Doors: Overcoming Obstacles in Project Management) I presented in Eau Claire and the crowd-sourced wisdom of the attendees, addresses perseverance in how we manage obstacles.

Sometimes projects stretch out longer than we expect or, if they are an unending part of our job, take on a feeling of drudgery. They also can undergo significant change in the process that appear to be obstacles. Looking for the doorways through can feel discouraging. But persevering to what can be unexpected outcomes can often strengthen not only the team but the project.

Perseverance Strategies

Incorporate new information – stay
current on the project but don’t be afraid to adjust as new info changes focus or
as the project evolves

Be Patient - projects take time. You
may need to adjust deadlines and timelines to adjust for real library life

Flexibility - be ready to change and
adapt an idea to make it project stronger

Keep vision of outcome ahead of you to stay
on track/inspired

Keep lines of communication open

Be sure to nurture yourself to avoid burn-out

Find others to build/maintain
enthusiasm with you

Know your strengths/limitations

Be willing to allow
“thinking stage” time to allow you to
tackle parts of the project in a way that lets you work on those without
swallowing the whole project.

Makea
chart that shows progress of project

Consider narrowing focus to a smaller aspect to
move project forward and make it more manageable

Believe in yourself AND those who you
are working with to bring change about. Be convinced you CAN do it! It helps
you be a good advocate.

Celebrate the success of each piece of
the project and thank those who worked on the process

Thanks for sharing the journey. Here are links to part one (process) and part two (personnel). And last but again not least, huge thanks to the generous participants in the workshop who so kindly combined and shared their great ideas with us!

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About Me

I'm a retired Children's Librarian and and current Youth Services Educator and Consultant in La Crescent MN who loves working with youth librarians and strategizing on creating great sustainable service. Find me at twitter @lochwouters or lochwouters at gmail dot com